Crushing on Carina Round

It’s amazing how an average album can be salvaged by one completely fantastic song, and my crush this month is a prime example of that: Carina Round’s sophomore album Slow Motion Addict.

The disc sounds like PJ Harvey fronting a glammy version of Franz Ferdinand, and, at first glance, that should be a pretty good combination, right? In practice, tho, it’s a bit disappointing: the songs generally lack memorable hooks and choruses, and the production is far too slick and generic for my tastes (thanks a lot, Glen Ballard). However, Round’s voice is a very impressive instrument, and the conviction with which she sings kept my tuned in for the entire disc.

The one song on Addict that really stuck with me is “Come To You,” a big, beautiful, ballad powered by Round’s raw, moving vocals and a propulsive, galloping rhythm. It’s been stuck in my head for weeks, and it’s single-handedly kept me returning to the album’s playlist to give it another try. It has yet to succeed in changing my mind on Addict, but it keeps Carina Round in my good graces, and it makes her worth checking out if you’re unfamiliar. Here’s to hoping that she hooks up with a better producer for her next album…

Download: Carina Round, “Come To You” (mp3)
(Right-click/control-click link to download)